Mumbaihas an array oftourist attractions for world travelers. It is an important transit point of India. Mumbai is the Business Capital of India. It is the important financial and communication centre of India. The city consists the largest and the busiest port handling and third largest Stock Exchange in the world. The biggest film industry of India is popularly known as Bollywood, produces sizable number of Hindi movies every year. Mumbai city generates the maximum revenue for India. Mumbai consists of production houses, stock exchange, seaport and offices of major national and international companies. It is also called the Commercial Capital of India. Mumbai is one of the most glamorous and happening cities of India.

In 17th century, Portuguese gave Mumbai to Charles II of England as dowry when he married Catherine. The group of seven islands was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive. Present day Mumbai is a city of migrants consists of peoples from very nook and corner of India. Mumbai is a multi-lingual and multi-cultural society.

Sight Seeing in Mumbai

Gateway of India: It is the most famous landmark of Mumbai that was designed by George Wikket. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. It is situated in South Mumbai by the water’s edge at Apollo Bunder that is the most famous colonial monument. It is one of the last imperial monuments built by the British in Mumbai. This is the most frequently visited and admired site in India. Initially used as a disembarkation point for passengers alighting from steamers, 24 years later it became an exit point for the British troops who had to leave India after its independence in 1947. A popular harbor that is used by tourists traveling to other parts of Mumbai, especially Elephanta Island. The architecture of Gateway of India comprises of huge arch, approx. 26 meter high.

Elephanta Caves: The Elephanta Caves are a great tourist attraction in Mumbai. These are located on an island about 10 km away from the Gateway of India, known for the rock cut temples dating back to 5th Century. The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The Elephanta Island was named by the Portuguese, after they found the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island. These temples are dedicated to the Hindu god – Lord Shiva. The chief attraction is the three headed bust of Lord Shiva, popularly known as “Trimurti” at the entrance to the caves, the celebrated trinity of Elephanta: there’s Lord Brahma the Creator, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and Lord Shiva the Destroyer Unfortunately, many of the sculptures have been damaged by iconoclastic Portuguese rulers who took potshots at Hindu Gods with their rifles. And yet somehow, nothing has disturbed the sublime beauty of this place for centuries. You may hire motorboats from Apollo Bunder near the Gateway of India to visit these temples that is an hour’s boat ride.

Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk): This beautiful fountain was built in 1869, in honor of Sir Henry Bartle and Edward Frere. It is situated in the heart of Mumbai city at a junction of five streets. It is decorated at its four corners with mythological figures; the fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure of ‘Flora’ the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top. The flow of water is like a never ending cycle of life. It is declared as a heritage structure that continues to soothe the passers-by with its spew of water. It is encircled by imperial colonial buildings. In a nutshell Flora Fountain is Mumbai’s famous signpost that definitely deserves a visit.

Chowpatty Beach & Juhu Beach: Chowpatty is Mumbai’s most famous beach that is situated on Marine Drive, 30 km away from the heart of Mumbai. It is a long stretch of sandy beach from Santacruz to Vile-Parle. This is a very popular beach for picnic. It turns in to a fair ground in the evening where you can see children enjoying ferris wheels and pony rides, monkey shows and much more apart from row of bhelpuri shops hawking Mumbai’s most popular snacks.

Juhu Beach: This popular beach located in Juhu, Mumbai that is known for its famous sunset view. You can enjoy the spectacular view of the dark yellow sun slowly setting down in the Arabian Sea along with the chirping of birds that are very charming and awesome.

Kamala Nehru Park & Hanging Gardens: Kamla Nehru Park is among Mumbai’s best hunt for entertainment and very popular among children. It is located at the top of picturesque Malabar Hill, covers an area of 3,300 sq mts. Its name owes to Kamala Nehru, the wife of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It is well-maintained and manicured garden. Adjacent to Hanging Gardens This park opened in 1952, it covers an area of 4,000 square yards and commands a superb view of Marine Drive and beyond. It also has a structure sculpted like a shoe, which is said to have been inspired by the nursery rhyme – “There was an old woman”. You may also enjoy beautiful and panoramic views of the city from the top including Chowpatty Beach and Marine Drive.

Hanging Gardens also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens that are perfectly manicured terraced gardens on the slopes of the Malabar Hill, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park. those were laid out in 1881. You may enjoy the beautiful view of Sunset over the Arabian Sea; the Hanging Gardens have been carved into the shapes of animals. The park, which was laid out in 1881 over Bombay’s main reservoir, owes its name to the renowned barrister Pherozshah Mehta.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) or Victoria Terminus : Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is located near Churchgate is a World Heritage Site. It is India’s largest railway station. It was constructed in 1878 that is rated as Mumbai’s most prominent building and considered architecturally one of the finest stations in the world that is designed by FW Stevens. It consist pointed arches, stone dome, elegant interiors, wood carving, ornamental iron, brass railings that is the beautiful amalgamation of British and Indian architecture. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by stone lion and tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is its 160 feet dome crowning the center. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a woman with a torch held aloft to symbolize progress. The tower clock visible from outside has a diameter of 9′ with a 3′ & 10″ minute arm and 2’3″ hour arm run mechanically, which is still working properly. There are around one thousand trains and approximately two million commuters pass through this terminus.

Prince of Wales Museum: It is the historical name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya of Mumbai. In 1905, its foundation stone was laid by George V – the Prince of Wales who visited India. This marvelous building was designed by George Wittet that was completed in 1914, which was also used as military hospital during World War I. A full-fledged museum was inaugurated by Lady Lloyd in 1923. It is located near Gateway of India, in South Mumbai. It consists Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. There are three exclusive sections in this museum as art; archaeology and natural history that house some of finest collections of ancient Indus Valley relics to the artifacts from Gupta and Maurya Periods. You may also see interesting artifacts from other countries as Tibet and Nepal. It has one dedicated gallery comprising the exquisite tankha scrolls of the Buddhists. Another gallery is devoted to bronze castings and sculptures. Apart from that there is rich collection of more than 2,000 miniature paintings from many art schools of India. This museum is an important cultural and education centre in Mumbai India.

Victoria Gardens and Museum: This is a beautiful garden that consist collection of interesting flora and fauna apart from beautiful architecture. It was opened for public in 1872 by Lady Frere. It is an example of grand Victorian gothic structure. You may see artifacts relating to the city’s history and development along with engravings, photographs and old maps etc. A large stone elephant, which once stood on the shores of Elephanta Island, now stands guard at the entrance to the Victoria Gardens. The highlights include ornamental gateway, arched architectural screen and a museum building in the Greco-Roman style. This park is now known as Veer Mata Jeejabai Bhonsle Udyan.

Mani Bhawan: It is located at Gamdevi. Mahatma Gandhiji stayed and worked here many times between 1917 and 1934. The father of the nation initiated the Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat movements from this very building. Later, this building was taken over by Gandhi Smarak Nidhi to maintain it as a memorial of Mahatama Gandhi. There is a library on the ground floor that consist more than 20,000 books. You may find many books on Gandhiji’s life, his thoughts and other related subjects. Adjoining Gandhiji’s room is the exhibition depicting the Mahatma’s life through pictures. The simple sitting cum bedroom used by the Mahatma is preserved behind glass.

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE): This building is located in Dalal Street, Churchgate. It is located on a historic land where a small group of stock brokers gathered together under of banyan trees to manage their limited businesses in 1940s. That is the same place where the present stock exchange is established in 1887. Today it is the largest in Asia and third largest in the world. Its imposing building is a well known landmark and accounts for maximum business conducted in India’s stock markets. This place is credited to convert Mumbai into economic capital of India.

Nehru Planetarium and Science Center: It is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime-Minister of India that was inaugurated by late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, on 12th December 1979. The imposing Nehru Planetarium building has become a landmark It consists computer laboratory, mobile science exhibition units, heritage hall, auditorium, inflatable dome planetarium, science library and children’s science park. The sky-show at the planetarium is very interesting with narration, sound effects and slide projections which combine entertainment with education. It has a well stocked library containing rich collection of books on astronomy, astrophysics and space science.

Mahalaxmi Temple: This temple is situated very close to the sea off Mahalaxmi. This temple has three beautiful images of Hindu goddesses, Mahalaksmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali which are made of gold. During Navaratri festival, devoted Hindus throng this temple in great numbers to offer prayers to the goddesses.

Haji Ali: Haji Ali mosque and the tomb of a Muslim saint, is located off shore, in the Arabian Sea opposite Mahalaxmi temple. This brilliantly white washed structure is built amidst the Arabian Sea. Haji Ali’s Mosque is connected to the mainland with a 500 yards narrow causeway. It is a single minaret rising to 85 feet, a prominent architecture floating in the middle of the sea. It can be visited only during low tide as during high tides the walkway to the mosque is submerged in the sea.

Essel World- Amusement Park: It is located on Gorai Island that offers many exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water Kingdom is the largest of its kind in Asia. This international-style theme park and amusement centre is perfect for a day long fun and amusement. There are special ferries that get you across park and the entrance fee normally takes care of a fixed number of rides, which include the standard roller coaster and adventure themes, plus a water world section. Summer is usually crowded, but the place also offers low budget monsoon packages and special deals on weekends.

Mount Mary Church: This is one of most prominent and beautiful churches in Mumbai. During September a week long fair is held that is attended by the people of all religions.

Mahalaxmi Race Course: It is located in Mahalaxmi. This is one of the best racecourses in the world. The racing season is for six months from October to April. It attracts huge crowds for heavy betting.

Taraporewala Aquarium: This is the Mumbai’s only aquarium that is located on the Marine Drive. It was formally opened by the Late Dr Rajendra Prasad on the 27th May, 1951. It has varieties of fish in varying shapes, sizes and color. It is a treat for eyes for everyone.

Marine Drive: It is one of the most spectacular verandah and happening place in Mumbai. It is built on land reclaimed in 1920 and running parallel to the shoreline of backbay, from Nariman Point as it sweeps past Chowpatty Beach right up to Malabar Hill. It is also known as “Queen’s Necklace” that is a crowded thoroughfare in the evening hours.

Mumbai High Court: This building designed by Col. JA Fuller and built in 1878 is early English Gothic It is 562 feet long and 189 feet wide. To the west of the central tower are two octagonal towers .Statues of Justice and Mercy top this huge high court building.

Jehangir Nicholson Art Gallery: This gallery is located at Nariman Point at the National Center for Performing Arts have a superb collection of modern Indian Art, which appears in rotation with special exhibitions.

Nariman Point: It is the famous commercial hub of Mumbai. You may witness the gracious presence of major business houses, corporate offices and industrial houses that replicate any busy business district in the world. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Vidhan Sabha are also located at this place.

Dhobi Ghat: Dhobi literally means a traditional laundryman, who collects your dirty linen, wash it, and return it to your doorstep. The “laundries” are called “ghats”: The most famous of these Dhobi Ghats is at Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi Station where almost two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation.